Minneapolis Institute of Art

Lace Strip

Possibly Italy

Date

c. 1600 (edging added later)

Medium

Linen, embroidered knotted net (Lacis), lace

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Knotted net was a textile which had been used by fishers and trappers since ancient times. In the 16th century, refined versions with small grid structures were developed to be used by embroiderers as a ground fabric as they created fashionable new fabrics. Using a simple darning stitch, fanciful patterns, which related to the popular design aesthetic of the day, could easily be developed. As can be seen by the examples displayed here, a variety of colors and materials were used, but linen white work was particularly popular. This embroidery technique, frequently associated with lace styles, is often called lacis. Italy, Europe

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